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Paul Hollywood to stay with The Great British Bake Off on Channel 4

Paul Hollywood has confirmed he will stick with the Great British Bake Off when it moves to Channel 4.

He announced in a statement that he was “delighted” to be continuing as a judge and that he “couldn’t turn my back on all that”.

The full statement from Hollywood read: “Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven series inside the tent have created some great memories. Best of all, I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped me make my first loaf.

“The Great British Bake Off has brought baking to the nation and we’ve seen people from all walks of life and backgrounds, experience the highs and lows of competition, and more importantly helping each other.

“It’s been a huge part of my life in the past few years and I just couldn’t turn my back on all that – the bakers themselves, the bakes, the team that makes it, and of course the tent, the bunting, and who could forget… the squirrels.

“So I am delighted that I will be continuing as a judge when Bake Off moves to Channel 4. I want to thank the BBC and Mel and Sue for making my time in the tent great fun and really rewarding.”

The news comes shortly after co-judge Mary Berry announced her departure from the show, pledging her loyalty to the channel that nurtured the programme.

Speaking about her decision, Berry said:”My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one.

“The Bake Off family – Paul, Mel and Sue have given me so much joy and laughter. I wish the programme, crew and future bakers every possible success and I am so very sad not to be a part of it.”

Presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins will also depart the show as it moves to Channel 4, promising fans: “We’re not going with the dough. We wish all the future bakers every success.”

The future of Bake Off was thrown into disarray earlier this month when the BBC lost the rights to broadcast the series after negotiations with creators Love Productions ground to a halt. Channel 4 swooped in with a reported £75-million deal to buy the show, but the news caused horror amongst fans.

Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, featuring Paul Hollywood, will debut in 2018.